Photographic printer control system

Abstract

A photographic printer control system of the present invention separates the operation of the printer into first and second working levels. The first (or "operator") working level includes selecting the printing mode, loading or selecting one of a plurality of setup blocks, initiating printing, and applying color density button corrections. The second (or "manager") working level includes determination of printer operating parameters for each setup block, selection of automatic corrections to be applied, color balancing, calibration, and totalizing. A control panel supplies input signals which select and control operation on the first and second working levels. A security system is provided to limit access through the control panel to the first working level for all persons except authorized persons such as the lab manager. The regular operator of the printer, therefore, normally cannot initiate operation on the second working level and thereby disrupt operating parameters, color balance, calibration, or totals which have been selected by the lab manager.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. In a photographic printer, the improvement comprising: storage means for storing alterable digital control information used to control printing, the control information including printer operating parameters for a plurality of setups for different film/photosensitive medium combinations;   digital processor means for controlling operation of the printer as a function of the stored alterable digital control information, the digital processor means controlling operation of the printer on first and second working levels, the first working level including initiating printing, applying user selected density corrections, selection of an automatic or manual printing mode, and selection of one of the plurality of setups, and the second working level including altering the alterable digital control information;   user input means for supplying input signals to the digital processor means to affect operation on the first or second working levels; and   security means for normally permitting input signals supplied by the user input means to affect operation of the printer only on the first working level, and permitting input signals supplied by the user input means to affect operation of the printer on the second working level only if an authorization condition has been met.   
     
     
       2. The invention of claim 1 wherein the printer operating parameters include slope values. 
     
     
       3. The invention of claim 2 wherein the printer operating parameters include slope center values. 
     
     
       4. The invention of claim 1 wherein the printer operating parameters include density aim points. 
     
     
       5. The invention of claim 1 wherein the control information includes color balance. 
     
     
       6. The invention of claim 1 wherein the second working level further includes calibration of printer subsystems. 
     
     
       7. The invention of claim 1 wherein the control information includes totals of operating information. 
     
     
       8. The invention of claim 1 wherein the control information includes selection of automatic corrections to be applied during printing. 
     
     
       9. The invention of claim 8 wherein the automatic corrections include automatic density correction, snow/beach scene correction, filter paddle compensation and semi-permanent button corrections. 
     
     
       10. The invention of claim 1 wherein the security means comprises key-actuated switch means and wherein the digital processor means interrogates the status of the key-actuated switch to determine whether operation on the second working level is permitted.